(VOVworld) - Jihadists fighting in Syria and Iraq announced on Sunday the establishment of a “Caliphate,” referring to an Islamic government. In an audio recording published online, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) declared its chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, "the caliph", meaning the head of the government. The group announced that the new caliphate stretches from Syria's northern city of Aleppo to Iraq's eastern province of Diyala and demanded that all Islamists living in this area be loyal to the new leader.

Fighters celebrate the caliphate establishment while sitting on vehicles. (Photo: Reuters)

In another development, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon voiced his deep concern over the deepening crisis in Iraq and called for an urgent end to the "persecution of civilians based on their religion or ethnic background". He urged all parties including armed groups, the ISIL, local troops, and government forces to avoid civilian casualties and ensure their basic needs.